Headmaster’s Letter 21st September 2018

On this first ‘official’ day of Autumn, term is now well underway and, as is traditional, I have begun my round of hot chocolate meetings with Year 7. They have settled in quicker than I had expected, helped by older students and their teachers. Last Friday’s extra-curricular fair and the evening’s social event were much appreciated. They like the range of subjects, especially the sciences that are taught as three separate disciplines. The clubs: Chemistry, netball, football and Warhammer already have a large membership. They are very much enjoying the new dining facilities and the thumb print system. They have already given me some interesting ideas about the school can be improved, and funds allowing, the School Council will start to look at these when the Year 7 councillors are elected after half-term. Miss Turner, the Head of Section, is coordinating the Year 7 Activity week, starting next Monday, to continue with this settling in period. Before half-term, I’ll be meeting with our new Year 12 students so that they can also give me their first impressions of School.

Awards Evening

We had our annual awards evening last night (Thursday) in the parish church. Our guest speaker was Professor Toby Wilkinson, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Relations), University of Lincoln. He gave an inspiring address, drawing on his own career to talk about the range of skills that ‘the next generation’ will need to develop. These included resilience, problem solving, resilience, negotiation skills and the ability to be flexible. In my speech, I spoke about the School’s mission to share our talents with others so that we can grow communities. It is a very important evening. A lot of thought goes into selecting the awards winners and it is important students attend to receive their accolade and applause. The awards evening programme is now on the website. My thanks to Mrs Buck, Deputy Head, who coordinates the event.

New staff

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our two visiting language students Sophie Passarge (German) and Julie Bajraktarévic (French). They will be working with students for the next two terms. Our new site assistant Richard Pulling also started this week.

Clerk to Governors

The School’s governors are currently advertising for a clerk. This has become an increasingly important role in the organisation and running of academies. The clerk supports the School governors so that they can carry out their role. No prior clerking experience is required. The post is currently on the school website. I am happy to speak to anyone who might be interested. http://www.caistorgrammar.com/staff-vacancies/

Macmillan Coffee Morning

The annual coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support will take place in school on Friday 28th September, from 10am to 12pm. Year 11 are organising the morning and have been working hard to publicise the event in school. Students are being encouraged to bake cakes for sale and to bring cash with them on the morning, so we can raise as much money as possible for this very worthwhile cause. If you would like to attend, you would be very welcome. It is always a very enjoyable morning.

Entrance exam

We are holding the second entrance exam tomorrow morning in School. I would like to wish those Year 6 students taking the paper tomorrow the very best, and when it’s over, to enjoy the rest of their weekend.